What is Massage? 

 Massage is the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.

It is one of the oldest healing arts.

What are the benefits of massage? 

Massage can:

Alleviate back pain

Enhance immunity

Ease medication dependence

Increase flexibility

Decrease depression and anxiety

Reduce post surgical adhesions and swelling

Relax and soften injured, tired and overused muscles

Enhance sleep quality

Reduce fatigue

What can I expect…

    * During the massage? Based on your Intake Form and massage goals, we will provide you with a safe and comfortable massage using traditional Swedish massage techniques. Bolsters/pillows will be used to help situate your body in a comfortable position on the table. Unless we ask, please do not engage your muscles by lifting your head/holding your hand in place during the massage session. Let us do the work, it’s your time to relax.

           * After the massage? When your massage is complete, we will leave the room so that you can take a moment to stretch and then slowly get off the table and redress. A towel will be provided for you to remove any excess oil/lotion/cream. Water will be close at hand if you are thirsty. When you are ready, just open the door and we will reenter the room to take care of billing and schedule your next session.

Why do you ask for so much information on the Intake Form? 

 The information provided in the Intake Form helps us create a massage session that is unique to you. We take into consideration your needs and desires as well as what is appropriate and medically safe. Due to injury, surgery or illness, you may need adaptions to be made for pressure, positioning and pace. Diseases like cancer and its treatments require lifelong adaptions to be made for those receiving massage.

How will I feel after the massage?

Just like our clients, the results are unique and varied. Most clients feel deep relaxation following a massage. Some feel energized. If you received a deep tissue massage, you may feel soreness but this will subside within a few hours or days.

How do I get the most out of my massage?

 Communication is key. Let us know what you like and don’t like. Don’t like your feet touched? We’ll avoid them. Prefer to hear Van Halen instead of the rainforest? No problem, we’ll change it. Hot or cold? We can adjust the heated table temperature, add blankets, or adjust the fan. We cater to you. It’s your massage session.

Does massage hurt? 

 There is a difference between discomfort and pain.  Deeper massage techniques can be uncomfortable when dealing with trigger points or tight muscles. But there should be no pain. If you feel uncomfortable, let your therapist know.

Do I have to be naked?

 Most massage techniques are performed with the client unclothed to offer a long sweeping stroke. However, it is entirely up to you. You will be properly draped in a sheet at all times if you are undressed at any level. Please remove necklaces/long earrings and tie back long hair if you will be receiving massage on the neck and back.

What is draping?

 Draping is the use of clean sheets, towels and/or blankets to respect your privacy and maintain your modesty. Only the area to be massaged will be exposed and then re-draped when we move on to the next area. Draping is required during your massage services; there are NO exceptions to this rule.

How long is the massage session?

 We offer massage in 30-minute increments up to 90 minutes. A 30-minute session is great for targeted work (such as the neck, shoulders and back or the legs and feet) or for those who prefer shorter more frequent visits. A 30-minute session is NOT appropriate for a full body massage. Those seeking optimal relaxation or would like more areas of the body to be worked on should schedule a 60 or 90-minute session.

Am I really getting 60 minutes of massage?

Many others market a "one hour massage" that is really only 50 minutes of massage with 5 minutes of dressing time before and after the massage and expect their therapists to perform the massage, change the room and meet a new client every 60 minutes. At Elysium Massage, you receive the entire amount of time your session is booked for. However, if you arrive late or are not ready to begin on time, your session will still end as originally scheduled.

How often should I get a massage? 

 A healthy individual can safely receive massage every day and in a perfect world we would all receive a massage at least once a week. You should get a massage as often as your budget and schedule allow.

We all have something that keeps us from getting the self care we need but it is unrealistic to expect one 90 minute session on your birthday will relieve your chronic pain or that one session every six months will "fix" all your body's issues that you have accumulated during weeks or months of household stress, bad posture at work, or overworking your muscles at the gym. Your therapist can recommend a treatment plan for you based on your needs and goals.

Is massage always appropriate?

 No. If you have unexplained pain lasting for several days, have a recent injury, are receiving certain medical treatments or have a questionable health issue that requires a doctor’s attention, you should not receive massage. It is best to discuss these issues when making an appointment so that you and your therapist can determine if massage is right for you.

When shouldn’t I get a massage? 

 There are many reasons you should not receive massage including experiencing flu like symptoms, receiving chemotherapy within the past 72 hours, undergoing a surgical procedure within the last 6 weeks, or recently sustaining an injury. It is best to discuss any issues you have when making an appointment so that you and your therapist can determine if massage is right for you.

Why doesn't just one massage session work?

 There are many factors that effect the results of a massage session including how long you have had the problem, what else you are doing for it, and your current state of health.  If you have a sore back from weeks, months or years of bad posture at work, it is unrealistic to expect 100% improvement after just one session.  It is important to be clear and realistic about your massage goals, not only with your therapist but also with yourself.

Why don't both your therapists offer the same services?

 Our natural touch and passion for our work has led us to specific modalities of massage. Kelly has a naturally gentle touch and excels in lighter, more soothing and comforting massage. Her training and passion lies in Oncology Massage. Due to medical reasons, Kelly no longer offers deep tissue work or sessions with added heat. Tom excels in giving firm pressure. He sees many athletes who are looking to enhance their athletic ability and clients who have more severe issues from labor intensive jobs.

How do I chose the best therapist for me?

 Each therapist has a different style and natural touch. Some choose to specialize in a given area while others prefer to learn just the basics of many different modalities. At Elysium Massage, we focus our work in specific types of massage rather than have a basic knowledge of severe modalities just to be able to say "we offer A to Z". It is best to be clear about your massage therapy goals when talking with your therapist. If we cannot provide the massage you are looking for, we are happy to refer you to another colleague who may be a better fit for you.